January 18, 1958 - June 26, 2011

JOHN CHARLES MATKIN of Lethbridge passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the age of 53 years.

Left to mourn him are his wife Maricar and his sons Mark and Michael, his mother June, brother Jim and sisters Connie (Greg), Kathy (Christian) and Sharla (George). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Isaac Prusky, Abigayil and Maiya Clapton, Elijah and Rain Matkin-Szilagyi, Carmen (Nick) Geigle and Laura Tarnava. He is predeceased by his father Jim, brother Mike, brother-in-law Greg, niece Cassidy and his grandparents.

To say that John loved the outdoors is an understatement. As a boy he explored the Milk River ridge, bringing home everything from injured owls to friendly coyotes. He later became an avid fisherman. John was always at peace with his line in the lake, a beer in his hand and his sons by his side.

What John loved more than anything were his sons Mark and Mike. They were the light of his world and his reason for getting up each day. He was also a fun and fantastic uncle to his nieces and nephews, a wonderful brother and a loving and loyal son.

Anyone who ever met John knows he was a tender and gentle giant of a man. He wore his heart on his sleeve, was a true friend and always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a tough guy bravado, but just barely below the surface was the sweetest man you'd ever meet.

John loved hard and lived big. He will be missed and alive in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Brian Magee, officiating.

A Reception will follow from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Webtech, 350 18th Street South.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2M7 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4K7.